Tony Mowbray expects progress on Andrew Taylor future

Taylor scored once in 19 games for Watford during a loan spell in 2010-11

Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray says the future of out-of-contract defender Andrew Taylor is expected to be settled in the 'next few days'.

The 24-year-old full-back has been linked with Cardiff City, managed by ex-Watford boss Malky Mackay, for whom he played on loan last season.

"We're fighting hard, I think he enjoyed the last four or five months with us," Mowbray told BBC Tees.

"He is out of contract so let's see if we can entice him to stay longer."

Mowbray added: "He does have options, some pretty good options which is credit to his talent, but we wait and see and whatever happens, happens."

The former England under-21 international has made 148 appearances for the Teessiders since his debut against Arsenal in January 2006, and spent time on loan at Bradford and Hartlepool United.

Meanwhile Scotland international midfielder Kevin Thomson is a doubt for the start of the forthcoming campaign after reporting back for pre-season training with an ankle problem.

The 26-year-old has endured a difficult time with injuries following his £2m move to the Riverside in July 2010, after a broken leg disrupted his progress throughout the season.

"He was in Edinburgh doing a bit of running and gone over, it's an ankle problem and we're getting scans done," Mowbray said.

"It's disappointing for us because Kevin finished the season really strongly and he's had a few injury problems.

"My thoughts are for him, he's desperate to help the team out on the field.

"I feel for him, it's disappointing for us if he will miss the start of the season but we don't know the length of time it's going to be.

"I was anticipating that Kevin would be a big, big player for us this season, and I'm sure he still will be."